But her foot appeared swollen and the boot appeared shrunken.

She could not get it half on, though she expended what little strength seemed left in her aching arms.

She groaned.
Bo laughed wickedly.

Her hair was tousled, her eyes dancing, her cheeks red.
"Be game!" she said.

"Stand up like a real Western girl and PULL your boot on." Whether Bo's scorn or advice made the task easier did not occur to Helen, but the fact was that she got into her boots.